[Fineus]

No, don't ask me why I put the same word three times.

Instead, tell me if it's worth buying a Playstation 2 to take to University - so that I can play the fantastic Burnout 3.

I've fallen in love with the game - and can *just* afford the console. However if something better is just around the corner, or would cause a significant price drop, or there's another recommendation - well I'd like to hear it.

This could well be my first foray into the world of consoles. I've played them before but never owned one.

Also - I know this can become a heated subject. Please don't turn this into a flame war

[Taristin]

My PS2 stopped playing PS2 games 2 years ago, after only 2 years of ownership, and about 1/4 year of use.
I was told that was common...

Damn shoddy manufacturing...

[aldo_14]

I have a PS2.  I like it.  I've had many, many hours of enjoyment from PES, GTA and now Burnout 3.

However, I'd wait to check out the next run of xmas price wars, unless you're really desperate.

[Liberator]

Toss 'em all and buy an X-GameStation 4, teh UBAR c0n20l3!!!!!111111

Seriously, though, it's your money.  If it means that much to you go for it, but I can think of a lot of things I can do with $200 USD.

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by Liberator
Toss 'em all and buy an X-GameStation 4, teh UBAR c0n20l3!!!!!111111

Seriously, though, it's your money.  If it means that much to you go for it, but I can think of a lot of things I can do with $200 USD.

Like buy a PS2 and 3 games?

[Kamikaze]

Originally posted by Raa
My PS2 stopped playing PS2 games 2 years ago, after only 2 years of ownership, and about 1/4 year of use.
I was told that was common...

Damn shoddy manufacturing...

Ow, nasty. I must be lucky, I got my PS2 when they first came out in Japan and it's still working. I have to stick the box on its side to play some of my games though (no idea why that works).

Kalfireth: I'd say a PS2 is worth getting, even if new consoles come out (I don't think there're any due for a while) games tend to get developed for the old consoles anyway. There're enough good PS2 games to last a while anyway.

[Tiara]

Have had the PS2 since it came out and it has never failed me... yet.

The PS2 has quite a few good games out there and makes it quite worth buying.

[Unknown Target]

Ok, title games:

PS2:
Final Fantasy Series
Ratchet + Clank
Others taht are just as cool.

Xbox:
Graphics
Mechassault
Halo 2


Check which genres you're into, and what you consider more important. I have a PS2, but I don't really play it. I am missing the loss of Halo 2, but I prefer the PS2's sleek and ergonomic controller to the Xbox's.

[kode]

if it were me, I'd get an xbox with burnout3 instead.

[vyper]

Laptop .... Games.... Lecture.

Go figure.

[01010]

Xbox Burnout is better looking, also Halo 2 just around the corner. But it all depends on what your into.

Personally I think I may finally have to get a PS2, don't think I can wait for San Andreas' PC release. Also wouldn't mind giving Ico a go.

[Clave]

I am slightly more in favour of the X-Box, despite the Microsoft *shudder* label...  But when in doubt, get both...

[aldo_14]

My pref (when I got it) was for the PS2 over both the X-box and Gamecube, and I don't regret it  Truth be told, there's no reason for not owning >1 console other than cost & time, though.  I'd probably pick up a 'cube with Mario Kart & Zelda if I felt I'd have enough time to play it.

EDIT; rumourdley, a slimmed down version of the PS2 is due for release - http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/gta4/news_6107820.html - not sure of the uk date, etc, but it should cause some price reductions of the larger one, IMO.

[Turnsky]

Originally posted by Unknown Target
Ok, title games:

PS2:
Final Fantasy Series
Ratchet + Clank
Others taht are just as cool.

Xbox:
Graphics
Mechassault
Halo 2


Check which genres you're into, and what you consider more important. I have a PS2, but I don't really play it. I am missing the loss of Halo 2, but I prefer the PS2's sleek and ergonomic controller to the Xbox's.

Try somma the third-party controllers available to the xbox, some of them are quite nice

anywho..
i can't really fault any other the game choices up there.

[Fineus]

Thanks all for your comments - it seems like the PS2 is the running favourite at the moment. Now I just need to work out if my budget allows for it. Blasted Unis...

[Kie99]

If you're willing to wait until March get a PSP, those things look fabulous *drools over pic in Games Mag*

[kode]

Originally posted by kietotheworld
If you're willing to wait until March get a PSP, those things look fabulous *drools over pic in Games Mag*

and will burnout3 be out for it?

[Deepblue]

Xbox has a crappy normal controller but I'm rather fond of the controller-s.

[Antares]

Damn it.  It figures that I'd be the only GameCube owner on the whole freaking board.

The GameCube has several plusses in its favor.  I believe it's the cheapest of the consoles currently available, at $99 USD.  There's even a special edition of the Cube currently available that comes packaged with Metroid Prime, and a Bonus Disc with a demo and lots of preview material for Metroid Prime II.

The GameCube's graphics are middle-of-the-road; superior to those of the PS2, slightly inferior to those of the Xbox.  The GC is also a small unit, and rather portable; it has a small handle on the back so you can carry it around with you, if need be.

The GC's biggest advantage lies in its total control of Nintendo-licensed products.  While the GC gets a fairly healthy number of multi-console ports, it's the only place to play Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and Starfox titles.  I bought my GC primarily to play Super Smash Bros. Melee when I purchased it a few years ago.

The GC is not without flaw, however.  As far as I know, it doesn't have any online support (though this may have changed, I'm not sure), and a few of the better-known console titles aren't available for the GC; the new Star Ocean, for example, as well as the upcoming Godzilla-based fighter.

Despite that, I'm behind the GC all the way.  My roommates on campus spent many a late night screaming at their televisions while playing Mario Kart, and I personally am looking forward to Starcraft: Ghost, Starfox II, Metroid Prime II, and Mega Man X: Command Mission.

[Deepblue]

Meh, Diamond Geezer is a Nintendo freak I think.

Anyway I don't care about the Nintendo game lines, so the Xbox is the right console for me.